The new Mercedes-Benz S-class has been revealed ahead of going on sale in September.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-class will be one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road when it goes on sale later this year. As well as sophisicated safety equipment, it will be available with all-LED lighting and a system that scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly.

Styling features of the new S-class include a larger, more upright front grille than the current car's, a curved "character line" along its sides and a sloping rear end.

Mercedes says that the car's development focused on the long-wheelbase version for the first time, due the high proportion of cars that will be sold in this form. In long-wheelbase guise the new S-class is 21mm longer, 29mm wider and 11mm higher than the current model.

One of the key innovations for the new S-class is Road Surface Scan, a system that uses a camera to detect bumps or dips in the road ahead and instantly adjusts the suspension to deal with it. The system will be an option for eight-cylinder models; the standard suspension systems are either an adaptive damping system or full air suspension.

Mercedes-Benz says the S-class will be the first vehicle in the world to come with full LED lighting – inside and out – as standard. There are up to 56 LEDs used for each headlamp, 35 for each tail light and approximately 300 used throughout the cabin.

A range of high-tech safety systems are available. Mercedes' latest Pre-Safe system can detect pedestrians or vehicles in front and apply the car's brakes if necessary, while there's also a new "beltbag" – an inflatable seat-belt strap that's designed to reduce the risk of injury to rear passengers by reducing the strain placed on their rib cage.

Four powertrains have been confirmed, although more are expected to follow. Entry-level S350 versions get a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; the S500 petrol model has a 4.7-litre V8.

Two hybrid models will also be available, both of which use an electric motor that develops 184lb ft of torque: the S400 Hybrid combines this with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, while the S300 Bluetec Hybrid has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

Fuel consumption is up to 20 per cent lower than for the current S-class; the S350 averages 51.3mpg on the EU Combined cycle and emits 146g/km of CO2.

In Europe, prices range from €79,799 (about £67,338) for the short-wheelbase S350 and rise to €107,636 (about £90,831) for the long-wheelbase S500. UK prices are yet to be confirmed.